The Night Eagle, Overland and Rubicon are three trim levels offered in the current gen (JL) Jeep Wrangler. This is a car that itself is a modern-day evolution of the first Willys Jeep used extensively by the US Army since the 1940s, and the car that made off-roading and overlanding possible for the masses. Something for which we Aussies are grateful considering the terrain. Jeep markets all Wrangler versions will the “Trail-Rated” moniker to justify the superior capability in the rough. Exemplary traction, maneuverability, articulation and ground clearance are just some of the areas it excels. The current 6-cylinder Pentastar 3,6 litre petrol is capable too, belting out just a wisp shy of 300bhp and has decent pulling power. Older Wranglers (JK versions), with even bigger 3.8-litre petrols though are down on these figures (200bhp and 315Nm of torque) and can use a little help for better get up and go. The same can be said for diesel JK variants in the 4-cylinder 2.8-litre, tuned specifically for higher torque (460Nm) and at lower revs.
One way to get faster acceleration times and quicker reaction when you press down the pedal is with throttle controllers. These are small (and inexpensive) electronic devices that manipulate the voltage signal coming from actuator motors and sensors placed at the acceleration pedal. These signals are then interpreted by the car’s ECU to open the throttle body and provide the right amount of air for combustion. In stock Wranglers, there’s inbuilt throttle lag (of a few hundred milliseconds) to avoid potential joltiness once the pedal is down. This intentional ‘safety’ feature though can prove frustrating and outright dangerous in cases when instant throttle is required, for instance in overtaking.
To alleviate issues with throttle lag, a Jeep Wrangler electronic throttle control can send more voltage to the ECU than set stock settings, and in effect, tricking the ECU that the acceleration pedal is further down than it actually is. The plus side to this is that you get instant throttle response when you need it. The downside is that not much happens in terms of acceleration when the pedal is more than halfway pressed.
Benefits of Throttle Controllers for Pure Off-Roaders
Wranglers aren’t exactly noted for their 0-100 times (8.5 seconds is quoted in the JL). JK variants are substantially slower. And the diesels have inherent turbo lag, which makes things worse. Though the car is not about outright straight-line speed, sometimes you want more to come out of the engine. Throttle controllers don’t add power or remap preset ECU settings. But they still work in delivering a different feeling behind the wheel, with your foot down. You get better throttle performance, and a faster vehicle.
Installing a Jeep Wrangler electronic throttle control benefits the big, boxy Jeep in several ways. I mentioned faster overtaking, but there’s also better speed from a standstill. This helps at the lights, or when leaving the driveway. If you have a trailer at the back, this is the mode to get heavier trailers over steeper inclines, without revving the engine too hard. The instant response means better driver feedback, and the ability to adjust to changing driving conditions. This is one safety feature that most drivers overlook.
Next is the adjustment of the throttle controller and the different modes available. Better and faster throttle response is handled with performance or ultimate modes (depending on the manufacturer), but the opposite, off-road or eco-modes come in handy as well. Here the controller is tasked to cut down on the throttle response from the stock settings. Something that you’ll use in tougher terrain, especially with low-range gears on steep descents. The same eco-mode combines the function of onboard systems like traction control, to avoid wheelspin that can get you deep in sand and loose surfaces real quick. With subtle throttle, and traction to the right wheel(s), a throttle controller can be a true lifesaver when off-road.
The Wrangler isn’t a car you get for fuel economy, but if your wallet is hurting each time you’re at the gas station, eco-modes are what can help reduce overall consumption. Not by wondrously magic numbers, but you will still save a few dollars between refills. Something that pays off, if you plan to use the controller over a longer period. And let’s not forget that each mode has steps that can be fine-tuned just the way you like. Performance and eco modes have up to 10 adjustments each. And these are easily changed during driving, as is scrolling between different modes.
Just a tip, with the controller set to max in Ultimate/Performance mode, even being gentle on the gas will cause an instantaneous response. And the opposite is true in Eco mode, where you’ll have your foot down longer before you get anything out of the car.
Should You Get One?
Throttle controllers are perfectly legal, won’t affect warranties, and what’s more, they’re cheap to buy and even easier to install. 10 minutes is all it takes to get the controller in full swing. Just find an appropriate place along or near the dash to change between modes. Some are also wirelessly operated via phones and inbuilt Wi-FI or Bluetooth. For the asking price, you won’t get better performance or functionality from any other automotive accessory. get them at local car accessory stores or shop online for deals.
